expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Brent D. Pulley, D.M.D., LTD

Dentist

Dr. Brent D Pulley D.M.D., LTD is a top Dentist in Phoenix, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Brent D Pulley D.M.D., LTD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Brent D Pulley D.M.D., LTD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Brent D Pulley D.M.D., LTD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Brent D Pulley D.M.D., LTD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Brent D. Pulley, D.M.D., LTD
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Accepting new patients

What happens if the blood clot comes out after tooth extraction?

The blood clot is there to form a barrier for the extraction site to heal comfortably. Losing the blood clot too early may expose the bone and cause a very uncomfortable pain READ MORE
The blood clot is there to form a barrier for the extraction site to heal comfortably. Losing the blood clot too early may expose the bone and cause a very uncomfortable pain known as "Dry Socket." You will still heal, however you may have to make additional trips to your dentist so that he can pack the socket with medication to alleviate the pain. Your pain will dictate if you need to see your dentist or not.

What to expect after a deep filling?

Deep fillings mean that the decay is very close to the nerve of the tooth. There is a high probability that the tooth may need a root canal at some point. Expect your tooth to READ MORE
Deep fillings mean that the decay is very close to the nerve of the tooth. There is a high probability that the tooth may need a root canal at some point. Expect your tooth to be very sensitive for up to a month afterward. You may need to have Root Canal therapy on the tooth if it continues to have pain beyond that time or it gets worse.

Why is my tooth growing sideways?

I would have to know which tooth you are talking about to give you a better answer. Generally teeth will grow in all kinds of different directions due to crowding of the teeth READ MORE
I would have to know which tooth you are talking about to give you a better answer. Generally teeth will grow in all kinds of different directions due to crowding of the teeth or because of the size (large or small) of your mandible (jawbone). The teeth that tend to grown in sideways are your wisdom teeth. I hope this answer helps a little.

How does baking soda clean the mouth?

Baking soda is abrasive, like sand. It is mixed into the toothpaste and makes it grainy. Brushing the teeth with either toothpaste mixed with baking soda or baking soda alone READ MORE
Baking soda is abrasive, like sand. It is mixed into the toothpaste and makes it grainy. Brushing the teeth with either toothpaste mixed with baking soda or baking soda alone acts like a polish and cleans the surface of the teeth. It will not clean well if there is hardened tartar on the teeth. Make sure your teeth are professionally cleaned prior to using the baking soda products to make sure it is effective.

Why does the gum around my crown hurt?

There can be several reasons why the gums may hurt. There may be a build-up of plaque around the tooth causing the sensitivity if you haven't had your teeth cleaned lately. There READ MORE
There can be several reasons why the gums may hurt. There may be a build-up of plaque around the tooth causing the sensitivity if you haven't had your teeth cleaned lately. There may be traces of excess cement if you just had the crown placed irritating the gums. You may have bone loss around the tooth (periodontal disease). The only way to find out for sure is to go and see your dentist so he/she can examine it.

Will my teeth shift if I lose a molar?

Your teeth will shift if you lose a molar. The tooth just behind the missing tooth will drift into the missing area. The tooth below the missing tooth will begin to shift upward READ MORE
Your teeth will shift if you lose a molar. The tooth just behind the missing tooth will drift into the missing area. The tooth below the missing tooth will begin to shift upward into the missing area (Super-erupt). This process could take months or even years depending on how quickly your body adapts to change. You should see your dentist as soon as possible to come up with a plan to replace the missing molar before the shifting process begins.

Does periodontal disease go away on its own?

Absolutely not. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that only gets worse with time. The end result is a loss of teeth. There is currently only one way to treat the READ MORE
Absolutely not. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that only gets worse with time. The end result is a loss of teeth. There is currently only one way to treat the disease and that is with Periodontal treatment. The treatment consists of a Scale and Root Planning (deep cleaning) and subsequent follow-up cleanings (perio maintenance). On top of all that, the patient must maintain a rigorous home care habits to slow the disease. I suggest you go to your dental office immediately if you value your teeth. Get a second opinion if you want to be sure.

Should you rinse your mouth with water after mouthwash?

There is no need rinse after the mouthwash, unless you just don't like the taste. It will work better the longer it is in the mouth.

How long do you have to wear gauze after a tooth extraction?

Gauze is given to stop the initial bleeding immediately after the extraction to help form a natural clot. You generally have to use the gauze for a half hour to forty-five minutes, READ MORE
Gauze is given to stop the initial bleeding immediately after the extraction to help form a natural clot. You generally have to use the gauze for a half hour to forty-five minutes, for a single tooth extraction, with no complications. Even less time if there are sutures involved.

What can I take for tooth nerve pain?

Tooth nerve pain is usually caused by an inflamed nerve in the tooth (pulp). The best thing to use at home would be 800 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen). It is especially good for inflammation. READ MORE
Tooth nerve pain is usually caused by an inflamed nerve in the tooth (pulp). The best thing to use at home would be 800 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen). It is especially good for inflammation. The next step is to see you dentist as soon as possible to see if you need to have a filling placed or a root canal.

My filling hurts with the slightest amount of pressure?

Your bite may be slightly off after treatment. Generally, any adjustments to your new fillings are done while you are numb and laying back in the chair. This can throw off your READ MORE
Your bite may be slightly off after treatment. Generally, any adjustments to your new fillings are done while you are numb and laying back in the chair. This can throw off your bite slightly and you won't notice until your numbness is gone. You should go back to your dentist for a "bite check" to check it out. Pressure pain can be caused by even a slightly high filling.

How long should you wait to eat after a filling?

You should wait until the numbness wears off for the the composite (white) fillings and at least 24 hours for the amalgam (silver) fillings before eating on them.

What can't you eat with dentures?

The answer to this depends on how well your dentures fit. You definitely shouldn't eat anything that is hard or crunchy. These items can break your dentures. You generally lose READ MORE
The answer to this depends on how well your dentures fit. You definitely shouldn't eat anything that is hard or crunchy. These items can break your dentures. You generally lose about 70% of your chewing capacity once you lose you teeth and get dentures. You may want to upgrade to an implant supported denture if you want to enhance your chewing ability and pleasure while eating. You should stick to a softer diet and cutting up your food into smaller pieces to help with the eating until you are ready to upgrade to an implant supported denture.

How long does a partial denture last?

A partial denture should last up to and beyond 20 years if it is well made and taken care of at home by the patient. Well made means a very accurate impression at the time of READ MORE
A partial denture should last up to and beyond 20 years if it is well made and taken care of at home by the patient. Well made means a very accurate impression at the time of treatment, a strong metal substrate, and quality resin teeth. Proper home care includes keeping it clean, not eating anything hard or corrosive to the materials, and having it checked periodically by your dentist for proper fit. Quality is the key here.

How do you flush out a dry socket?

You should never flush out a dry socket. Dry sockets develop from losing the natural clot formed after the extraction, usually from a manual manipulation of the clot from swishing READ MORE
You should never flush out a dry socket. Dry sockets develop from losing the natural clot formed after the extraction, usually from a manual manipulation of the clot from swishing or flushing of the area. The best thing to do if you have a dry socket is to have it professionally packed by your dentist and then leaving the area alone until you are directed to do otherwise.

Can teeth grinding cause headaches?

The answer is yes! They are absolutely related, however, that may only be one component as to why you are having the headaches. The dental reason is that you are using your mouth READ MORE
The answer is yes! They are absolutely related, however, that may only be one component as to why you are having the headaches. The dental reason is that you are using your mouth muscles all night to grind you teeth causing your muscles to be sore from working out all night. The other component is stress causing you to grind at night. We recommend a night guard for you to grind on rather than your teeth.

Does Invisalign mess up your bite?

Invisalign in a dental office, with a licensed dentist is a great way to straighten your teeth and it will not disrupt your bite. The trick is to make sure you align both the READ MORE
Invisalign in a dental office, with a licensed dentist is a great way to straighten your teeth and it will not disrupt your bite. The trick is to make sure you align both the top and the bottom teeth at the same time. Stay away from the non supervised online aligners available online.

Can I drink coke after a root canal?

You can drink and eat anything you want after a root canal, as long as your numbness is gone. You should consider that the coke may have been a contributor to the reason you may READ MORE
You can drink and eat anything you want after a root canal, as long as your numbness is gone. You should consider that the coke may have been a contributor to the reason you may have needed the root canal in the first place! Make sure you brush and floss after drinking that coke.

What happens if food gets in your wisdom tooth hole?

Generally, food that gets caught in a wisdom tooth hole will work itself out on its own. It is usually not a problem unless it starts to cause you pain or if it happens right READ MORE
Generally, food that gets caught in a wisdom tooth hole will work itself out on its own. It is usually not a problem unless it starts to cause you pain or if it happens right after the treatment within the first few days. You can go to your dentist an have the extraction site professionally irrigated if that happens.

What is a home remedy for tooth pain?

This would depend on how severe the tooth pain is. Mild tooth pain from loosening baby teeth or new teeth coming in may only need topical anesthetic like Oragel, liquid Motrin, READ MORE
This would depend on how severe the tooth pain is. Mild tooth pain from loosening baby teeth or new teeth coming in may only need topical anesthetic like Oragel, liquid Motrin, or ice application (ice pops, popsicles, etc...). Anything more painful than that and you should seek professional help from your dentist.